International note 5 + T MOBILE - T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note5

Hey guys. This is going to a very weird question, I live in Australia and we honestly have the crappiest data plans ever. Is there anyone who can tell me if it's possible to buy a t mobile simcard and use it in Australia indefinitely. And what sort of data/plans you guys have.

I'm a manager only a few months in, but to my understanding you would be limited to 2G speeds. Our Simple Choice NA plans offer unlimited international usage for texting and data, but I'm fairly certain that data is limited to 2G speeds as we partner with carriers out there for our customer's usage and I was recently checking as I'll be out there visiting Melbourne for a couple weeks!

Torridred04 said:
I'm a manager only a few months in, but to my understanding you would be limited to 2G speeds. Our Simple Choice NA plans offer unlimited international usage for texting and data, but I'm fairly certain that data is limited to 2G speeds as we partner with carriers out there for our customer's usage and I was recently checking as I'll be out there visiting Melbourne for a couple weeks!
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Ah fair enough, I'm not at all fussed about 4g but 3g would be a must. 2G out here is a little to slow, but how much would they cost? I'm trying to see if it would be worth doing

LiL_Assassin said:
Ah fair enough, I'm not at all fussed about 4g but 3g would be a must. 2G out here is a little to slow, but how much would they cost? I'm trying to see if it would be worth doing
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You won't be able to use it indefinitely. There is a fair use clause in the contract that says you have to have the majority of your usage be in the US. They'd eventually cancel your number.
That being said, any Simple Choice plan will work. They all include unlimited data roaming and the only difference is the domestic data allotment. You'd be able to use the $50 plan in Australia.
Any calls to an Australian number would be $0.20 per minute and texts would be free.

skusa93 said:
You won't be able to use it indefinitely. There is a fair use clause in the contract that says you have to have the majority of your usage be in the US. They'd eventually cancel your number.
That being said, any Simple Choice plan will work. They all include unlimited data roaming and the only difference is the domestic data allotment. You'd be able to use the $50 plan in Australia.
Any calls to an Australian number would be $0.20 per minute and texts would be free.
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Click to collapse
But don't I have to live in the US or use the majority of that in the US even with the simple choice? Since I can't call t mobile support. Is there an email or online chat I can send a message to, to take this further? I tried the website. But most of the options I needed, I needed to have a number first.

Related

Which Carrier To Choose????

Ok right now i am with verizon and they got great service, but it is really expensive. I have a smartphone and a regular ol flip-phone.
Smartphone: unlimited data, 5000 messages a month and a split of 500 min.
Flip-Phone: Split of 500 min
My bill right now is around 140.00 a month, Is this right? Are there any other carriers that can offer this at a better price than what i'm getting? I would like to see the 500 min stay the same or more, and i need unlimited txtin on the smartphone. The second phone can stay as a add a line phone.
I just cant afford this right now, it's killing me inside every month i have to pay this bill. Any help would be much appreciated.
garage_man said:
Ok right now i am with verizon and they got great service, but it is really expensive. I have a smartphone and a regular ol flip-phone.
Smartphone: unlimited data, 5000 messages a month and a split of 500 min.
Flip-Phone: Split of 500 min
My bill right now is around 140.00 a month, Is this right? Are there any other carriers that can offer this at a better price than what i'm getting? I would like to see the 500 min stay the same or more, and i need unlimited txtin on the smartphone. The second phone can stay as a add a line phone.
I just cant afford this right now, it's killing me inside every month i have to pay this bill. Any help would be much appreciated.
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Well, I have 2 lines on T-Mobile, unlimited voice and text on both, and unlimited data on one line (mine, other is my daughter's dumbphone), and it's $120/month...and I believe they have plans matching yours now (or close) for even less.
However, I would only recommend them if you know their service is solid in your area. In their major markets where they have more solid coverage, they're great, but in other places quite the opposite.
Sprint is also very cheap and there coverage in most places is very good. Im south of dallas have very good coverage and in some areas near me no other carrier has service, not verizon, tmobile or att. But it all depends on your area.
Family plan with 2 phones for $130 a month you get...
1600 shared mins- Free mobile to mobile, doesnt matter what carrier the others on.
Unlimited text
Unlimited data
Unlimited picture mail
4g network is a separate charge.. only htc evo
Also we are getting the HTC Evo on June 4. Which will be one of the best android/smart phone available, but i guess that can be argued. Sprint also is the first nation wide carrier to carry 4g network. If its in your area, it might be something to look into.
Wow
I can't believe i am getting ripped off this bad. I should've mentioned that I live in northern michigan right around traverse city. Verizon seem to have a good 3g connection around here which is very important as i use my phone as the modem for my house. Also if i change do you think i can get away with large data usage. My bill varies from as little as 40gb a month to as much as 180-190gb.
I use tmobile prepaid plan and i pay 70.00 per month for 500 anytime min. unlimited data,free nights and weekends,free tmob to tmob. Hope this helps, oh i get like 300 or 500 texts included also or maybe its unlimited.
You think that's bad? I have;
Line 1: HTC Eris - 1400 minutes shared; Unlimited Messaging; Unlimited Data; TEC
Line 2: LG EnV3 - Shared minutes w/ above; Unlimited Messaging; Pay Per KB Data (none is ever used); TEC
Line 3: Samsung Smooth - Shared minutes w/ above
On average, I pay $192 a month. Now my fiance wants the LG Ally, which will tack another $30 on per month LOL
We're up for renewel, though, so I'll try to talk them into a month of free service which will offset the monthly cost a bit for the next 2 years.
-mak
edit: Sprint has a similar plan for $129; 1500 minutes, Any Mobile Anytime (Unlimited Mobile2Mobile on any network), Unlimited Messaging & Unlimited Data for all lines on the account. With insurance and two lines it would be $153 + tax a month.. but the phone selection isn't anything spectacular as of now, other than the Evo which will run you $299 -$100 MIR.
garage_man said:
I can't believe i am getting ripped off this bad. I should've mentioned that I live in northern michigan right around traverse city. Verizon seem to have a good 3g connection around here which is very important as i use my phone as the modem for my house. Also if i change do you think i can get away with large data usage. My bill varies from as little as 40gb a month to as much as 180-190gb.
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Click to collapse
T-Mobile seems to be roaming coverage in Traverse, MI, so you won't be getting a 3G connection.
Sprint on the other hand has native coverage, as well as 3G. It may be a very good idea to look into Sprint as their coverage is very comparable with Verizon in some cities, and it seems that you live in one of them.
gsvnet said:
T-Mobile seems to be roaming coverage in Traverse, MI, so you won't be getting a 3G connection.
Sprint on the other hand has native coverage, as well as 3G. It may be a very good idea to look into Sprint as their coverage is very comparable with Verizon in some cities, and it seems that you live in one of them.
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Ok, thats what i was wondering cause as this is my internet i need a 3g connection at all times. I would like to see around 1mb or a little more cause right now i pull 1.3mb
garage_man, I think your best bet is to do the following:
-First, determine which carriers have adequate data coverage in your exact location. Best way to do this is to find some friends on other carriers (with smartphones preferrably) and test them at your location
-Let us know which carriers make the cut, and then I'm sure there'll be users on here who have tips on how to pay the least for the most with any of them, and then you can choose from there.
Are you sharing the connection thorough a wifi-router app, or by connecting by USB to one PC and sharing it out from there? I'm just curious really.
Ur gonna love this
sirphunkee said:
garage_man, I think your best bet is to do the following:
-First, determine which carriers have adequate data coverage in your exact location. Best way to do this is to find some friends on other carriers (with smartphones preferrably) and test them at your location
-Let us know which carriers make the cut, and then I'm sure there'll be users on here who have tips on how to pay the least for the most with any of them, and then you can choose from there.
Are you sharing the connection thorough a wifi-router app, or by connecting by USB to one PC and sharing it out from there? I'm just curious really.
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Click to collapse
I hook the phone up through internet sharing to my server. I have the connections bridged to my network card. From there it goes to my router/wifi. I use the wifi for my laptops and PS3. From the wifi router it goes to a switch to connect my gaming rig and tv. The switch gives me the ability to expand my network when needed. It's a little confusing and not the fastest internet but it gets the job done lol.
garage_man said:
I hook the phone up through internet sharing to my server. I have the connections bridged to my network card. From there it goes to my router/wifi. I use the wifi for my laptops and PS3. From the wifi router it goes to a switch to connect my gaming rig and tv. The switch gives me the ability to expand my network when needed. It's a little confusing and not the fastest internet but it gets the job done lol.
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That's cool, thanks. I kinda thought you had something a little more complex going on there lol. That's farily impressive though that your phone's connection can support all that...although I don't know if the unstable ping usually associated with a cell data connection would be ideal for gaming.
I guess then you also need to consider what phones each network has that can handle the way you having things setup. There's a bunch that can, but it may affect your choice in carriers.
sirphunkee said:
That's cool, thanks. I kinda thought you had something a little more complex going on there lol. That's farily impressive though that your phone's connection can support all that...although I don't know if the unstable ping usually associated with a cell data connection would be ideal for gaming.
I guess then you also need to consider what phones each network has that can handle the way you having things setup. There's a bunch that can, but it may affect your choice in carriers.
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Yes the ping isnt the best for gaming. It is a pretty consistent 150 to 100 ping lately. There are of course times when i can get it as low as 80 and other times 1000 lol, but verizon upgraded there notwork and i get around 150 every time. To keep things running smooth I usually i keep it down to one thing like playing a game, or watching a movie. It cant do all them things rly well.
If i change carriers i will most likely get another tp2. Unless there is a good android phone out there that can so the same internet sharing as windows mobile and have a awesome keyboard of a tp2 lol. Does anyone know of such phones.
sirphunkee said:
garage_man, I think your best bet is to do the following:
-First, determine which carriers have adequate data coverage in your exact location. Best way to do this is to find some friends on other carriers (with smartphones preferrably) and test them at your location
.
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Click to collapse
That's good advice. Also, CNET has a map where you can look up your network coverage with each carriers . It may help you as well.
I think the first thing you need to determine is where you have coverage because it won't do you any good to get a better plan and no coverage.
Sprint seems to have the best deals (though not necessarily the best customer service).
I have TMO and I like them a lot but its like another member says, if you have coverage in your area, they're great, if not, then it's frustrating. they have great plans (no-contract plans as well) and great customer service.
Hope that helps.
hmmm... I wanted to post a direct link but I guess I can't because I'm a new user.
google "root wireless cnet reviews" or "CNET compare carrier coverage in your area " and hopefully that'll take you to the right place
CNET has an interactive map where you can enter your area code and see the coverage by carriers.
Hope that helps.
Wouldn't ya know it
MyTomato said:
hmmm... I wanted to post a direct link but I guess I can't because I'm a new user.
google "root wireless cnet reviews" or "CNET compare carrier coverage in your area " and hopefully that'll take you to the right place
CNET has an interactive map where you can enter your area code and see the coverage by carriers.
Hope that helps.
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Click to collapse
They have no data where i live lol.
Wouldn't ya know it
MyTomato said:
hmmm... I wanted to post a direct link but I guess I can't because I'm a new user.
google "root wireless cnet reviews" or "CNET compare carrier coverage in your area " and hopefully that'll take you to the right place
CNET has an interactive map where you can enter your area code and see the coverage by carriers.
Hope that helps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They have no data where i live lol.
.mak said:
You think that's bad? I have;
Line 1: HTC Eris - 1400 minutes shared; Unlimited Messaging; Unlimited Data; TEC
Line 2: LG EnV3 - Shared minutes w/ above; Unlimited Messaging; Pay Per KB Data (none is ever used); TEC
Line 3: Samsung Smooth - Shared minutes w/ above
On average, I pay $192 a month. Now my fiance wants the LG Ally, which will tack another $30 on per month LOL
We're up for renewel, though, so I'll try to talk them into a month of free service which will offset the monthly cost a bit for the next 2 years.
-mak
edit: Sprint has a similar plan for $129; 1500 minutes, Any Mobile Anytime (Unlimited Mobile2Mobile on any network), Unlimited Messaging & Unlimited Data for all lines on the account. With insurance and two lines it would be $153 + tax a month.. but the phone selection isn't anything spectacular as of now, other than the Evo which will run you $299 -$100 MIR.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That plan sounds nice, is there anyway for me to sim unlock my verizon tp2 to allow it to be used on the sprint network?

[Q] Does unlimited data really mean unlimited data?

Hiya dudes,
I'm thinking of changing network up here in china.
China Mobile a network operator offers unlimited GPRS data for quite a cheap price every month on a 1 year contract.
is it really unlimited? I've read that when a company says "unlimited" it has a soft cap of 2GB or something?
and what is GPRS and EDGE? I've heard those terms before but I'm confused as this is my first ever smartphone
droid_does said:
Hiya dudes,
I'm thinking of changing network up here in china.
China Mobile a network operator offers unlimited GPRS data for quite a cheap price every month on a 1 year contract.
is it really unlimited? I've read that when a company says "unlimited" it has a soft cap of 2GB or something?
and what is GPRS and EDGE? I've heard those terms before but I'm confused as this is my first ever smartphone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've no idea about China network operators, but here in the UK, unlimited is always tied in with "fair usage" limit, which will be defined in the contract. Make sure you check this when comparing contracts. Also check out the charges if you go over this "fair usage" too or if you get a warning or shut off.
Also, it is quite common for operators to also "throttle" your connection - adjust the speed, at different times, or if you use it a lot and in busy locations. Also it has become common for the data-rates to be reduced, even after you've signed up and are out of the trial period. This is to ensure they can serve everyone (and depending on your point of view to over-sell their service and make more money...).
Basically, make sure you understand what you are getting, since although they all state "unlimited" they tend to do what they like to control what data you use.
------------------
Personally, I think operators need to clean their act up on this, or the regulators need to step in and stop them from cheating customers with false claims. How can the term "unlimited" be used when it is not, after all "fair use" of something which is sold as "unlimited" is...erm..."unlimited" use. Perhaps customers can pay a "fair bill" when they consider they've not used it much this month...
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Quick google of GPRS and EDGE (you can add 3G/4G too): http://blog.ruggedandmobile.com/2010/01/26/a-guide-on-the-difference-between-gprs-edge-3g-and-hsdpa/
Overall, it is the speed of your connection and GPRS is the slowest.
"unlimited" and "cheap" never go together.
So if you see them together look out for a * somewhere. There is always a catch to it
well here in Denmark unlimited is usually about 10GB pr. month
I don't know of any mobile operator in Ireland either where unlimited data really is "truly unlimited" same as in UK although there is one mobile operator in UK who i am going to move to from T-Mobile (i have both Irish and UK SIM's as i travel regularly between the two) that is http://giffgaff.com/ in fact they are the cheapest of them all by all accounts.
What these companies are doing is not right, by stating that it is "unlimited data" that is exactly what it should be no fair usage policy or any of that boll*cks, hopefully something will be done about this in the future.
In my case I have an old contract so Unlimited is 3g unlimited......now that same contract is 5g limit and they call unlimited........ NOW THAT'S NEW MATH !!!
I agree with one of the other postings cheap and unlimited rarely will be the fact.
always look at the plan details if not look at the fine print.. Nowadays they say unlimited but then throttle it after a certain point.. sure its still unlimited but it gets to the point where its so dam slow there's no point
My "unlimited" is a 5GB soft cap.
I am using 3's The One Plan which comes with pretty much unlimited data. This month, I've used 6GB, last month was at 14GB. No extra charges what so-ever and you can tether it up to your laptop or PC.
There are posts at AVForums of users going +30GB a month.
whatisapixel said:
I am using 3's The One Plan which comes with pretty much unlimited data. This month, I've used 6GB, last month was at 14GB. No extra charges what so-ever and you can tether it up to your laptop or PC.
There are posts at AVForums of users going +30GB a month.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that is awesome, they kill us here in the US with data
"unlimited" and "cheap" never go together

[Q] data-only provider?

So, i have this phone.. but i hate these "UNLIMITED EVERYTHING!!" plans that are $50-$60 a month.. primarily because my finances are unsteady.
Does anyone know of a provider i can use with an unlocked t-mobile(at&t) phone that is ONLY data (and thus a lower price) ?
If i have data, i can use
grooveIP with google voice to make calls
textnow to send texts
data for the browser and downloads/apps..
Of note, i'm in the US, Florida specifically. 33709 area code.
The closest thing I've seen is TMo $30, unlimited web, text, 100 min. of talk, throttled at 5gb. That I know of.
footwork* said:
The closest thing I've seen is TMo $30, unlimited web, text, 100 min. of talk, throttled at 5gb. That I know of.
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throttled will still give me enough to make calls, i'm sure.
the t-mobile site says i have to sign up at a store...wal-mart was fricken useless and overcrowded...
i guess i could try the t-mobile store by the pizza place..
Eve_brea said:
throttled will still give me enough to make calls, i'm sure.
the t-mobile site says i have to sign up at a store...wal-mart was fricken useless and overcrowded...
i guess i could try the t-mobile store by the pizza place..
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Click to collapse
throttled gives you the lowest speed that the tower will give you. in some places that is edge in slow mode (about 12Kb/s,) in others it is 768Kb/s on HSPDA.
they did add the full unlimited with no throttling on the value (prepaid) so you might be able to get that now.

[Q] Vzw GNex to Nexus 5 - Carrier Help/Suggestions

I am still using my Vzw Galaxy Nexus on a grandfathered unlimited data plan. I have been seriously thinking of getting a new phone for a while now, and the Nexus 5 is my preference...but with the news of Verizon not supporting it (and my contract expiring in early 2014), I am strongly considering leaving Big Red. My main question is where to go next. I am currently focusing on either Sprint or T-Mobile as they do have unlimited plans available.
I have always been with Verizon as part of a family plan, so I lack firsthand experience with either. T-Mobile has the better plans, but the local coverage is not particularly good. For those who have firsthand experience with T-Mobile and Sprint, what should I be aware of? Does anyone have any specific suggestions/warnings? Any other carriers I should consider (I am located in east Tennessee)?
Since I have not yet ordered the N5, I have a little bit of time, but would like to make a decision fairly soon. Any input is greatly appreciated.
As this is not entirely a Nexus 5 question, my apologies if it should be in another forum.
I'm in the same boat as you. Download Sensorly from the play store and it will tell you who has the best coverage for your area/commute.
I'm leaning toward T Mobile for speed and good price plans for prepaid.
Sent from my HTC6500LVW using Tapatalk
do you really need 5gb of data every month? if not dont worry about the unlimited data and find what has the best coverage in your area
sheryip said:
do you really need 5gb of data every month? if not dont worry about the unlimited data and find what has the best coverage in your area
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Rarely, but in some months, yes. I'm concerned more with the other members of that plan - the other one who still has unlimited averages more than that. Of course if I don't bring the rest of that group with me, it becomes a moot point.
etmccreary said:
Rarely, but in some months, yes. I'm concerned more with the other members of that plan - the other one who still has unlimited averages more than that. Of course if I don't bring the rest of that group with me, it becomes a moot point.
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Click to collapse
I am a VZW subscriber, and switched to TMO for the $70 a month unlimited plan. I get a corporate discount on TMO. I use my cell for work, so I needed voice minutes. I also looked at AIO Wireless for their $70 7GB plan, but I heard that ATT will be rolling them into their Leap wireless service, and pricing would be up in the air at the point. I was a long time Sprint user before VZW and their LTE rollout has been hit or miss (mostly miss in suburbs).
Will report back my findings.
bigbrown said:
I am a VZW subscriber, and switched to TMO for the $70 a month unlimited plan. I get a corporate discount on TMO. I use my cell for work, so I needed voice minutes. I also looked at AIO Wireless for their $70 7GB plan, but I heard that ATT will be rolling them into their Leap wireless service, and pricing would be up in the air at the point. I was a long time Sprint user before VZW and their LTE rollout has been hit or miss (mostly miss in suburbs).
Will report back my findings.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This will be me.
Dropping VZW for T-Mo with this plan once my N5 comes in. $70 gets you unlimited data with no cap after Xgigs of usage.
I wish there were a lot more of us in this boat so verizon would actually notice the amount of people that are going to bail. Then maybe they'd stop raping us.
Btw, J.Guido85, thanks for the Sensorly app info. That will help me figure out true TMO coverage in my area.
Enjoy being out of contract and get Straight Talk. $45/mo unlimited* everything and you can choose service thru either at&t or T-Mobile.
MaxRabbit said:
Enjoy being out of contract and get Straight Talk. $45/mo unlimited* everything and you can choose service thru either at&t or T-Mobile.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Straight talk only gives you 2.5gb of data per month at high speed.
donatom3 said:
Straight talk only gives you 2.5gb of data per month at high speed.
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Click to collapse
Yes, that's why I said unlimited*. It's still a great deal.
Good article comparing the prepaid services:
http://www.droid-life.com/2013/11/04/best-prepaid-wireless-plans/

Verizon LTE Throttling confirmed via tech support

I know this may seem strange given that Verizon is not allowed to throttle the 700 MHz c block according to the FCC, but today I spoke with a lady who was a higher tier tech support (not sure if it was 2 or 3) who claimed the reason I was having data issues is because they are having system issues where people using large amounts of data are being throttled when using LTE.
She stated that normally this should only happen on 3G but confirmed she has spoke to multiple people with this issue and that it is a nationwide problem that has been effecting some people since march 23rd. This also wasn't something she spoke lightly or timid about rather she was bold and confident that was the issue I was having.
Strangely the problem seem to go away when I switched to Global mode but that could have been a coincidence and more related to network congestion on that particular tower. Has anyone else been experiencing these issues?
I'm also wondering if this is related to the LTE advanced tower upgrades they are doing but can't find any info on when or if they have upgraded the Austin, Texas area.
LOL, might be coincidence but I'm going through the same thing in MD. My post should be a few down from here but I get perfect 3G, absolutely no 4G signal. Replaced SIM card, Verizon set it up and I had 4G. Within 5 minutes after the activation, the signal went to zero, then restarted and I was at 3G again. I'm heading to Verizon store in a bit to get this taken care of.
Samutd45 said:
I know this may seem strange given that Verizon is not allowed to throttle the 700 MHz c block according to the FCC, but today I spoke with a lady who was a higher tier tech support (not sure if it was 2 or 3) who claimed the reason I was having data issues is because they are having system issues where people using large amounts of data are being throttled when using LTE.
She stated that normally this should only happen on 3G but confirmed she has spoke to multiple people with this issue and that it is a nationwide problem that has been effecting some people since march 23rd. This also wasn't something she spoke lightly or timid about rather she was bold and confident that was the issue I was having.
Strangely the problem seem to go away when I switched to Global mode but that could have been a coincidence and more related to network congestion on that particular tower. Has anyone else been experiencing these issues?
I'm also wondering if this is related to the LTE advanced tower upgrades they are doing but can't find any info on when or if they have upgraded the Austin, Texas area.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm doubtful that you'll be able to get much done on the store level. Your best bet is to call tech support and the first call will be long as well as tedious just humor them. The second call back they will ask if your calling about the same issue say yes. This is when you will get transferred to a higher tier or higher authority where they can actually report the issue to the field techs and then possibly get a fix in the works.
How much data do you use?
The second person told me I had used over 100gb last month but that was not a justified reason for me to be throttled on 4G, it would be if I was on 3G.
I also find it curious that we both have a s3, I did a search and couldn't find any similar posts which makes me wonder if its because we don't have the LTE advanced functionality. I wish we knew where they are upgrading the towers.
Samutd45 said:
I know this may seem strange given that Verizon is not allowed to throttle the 700 MHz c block according to the FCC, but today I spoke with a lady who was a higher tier tech support (not sure if it was 2 or 3) who claimed the reason I was having data issues is because they are having system issues where people using large amounts of data are being throttled when using LTE.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They are if you're on unlimited. The throttling isn't allowed if you're on a tiered data plan - but unlimited plans weren't covered by the FCC's ruling, IIRC.
Well...it was my sim card. Apparently the one I purchased online is an older version. They replaced it with a new sim, rebooted and I sat there waiting. After a couple of minutes, the no data signal came back so got the sales rep and signal came back, to 4G like a champ. I can't honestly tell the difference between the sim they had and the one I purchased online. She did she throttling is a possibly for next year, but no plans this year but take it for what it's worth. It was no charge for me to get the sim card and took no time.
carngeX said:
They are if you're on unlimited. The throttling isn't allowed if you're on a tiered data plan - but unlimited plans weren't covered by the FCC's ruling, IIRC.
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Click to collapse
I just wanted to confirm that this issue has been resolved by Verizon, I believe it was network issue that was fixed within one day of me calling tech support.
carngeX said:
They are if you're on unlimited. The throttling isn't allowed if you're on a tiered data plan - but unlimited plans weren't covered by the FCC's ruling, IIRC.
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Click to collapse
There is no real distinction from the FCC of tiered vs unlimited. The only possible reason verizon could is by using the excuse of trying to protect vulnerabilities on their network.
http://www.androidpolice.com/2011/1...-does-not-violate-fcc-block-c-spectrum-rules/
Samutd45 said:
There is no real distinction from the FCC of tiered vs unlimited. The only possible reason verizon could is by using the excuse of trying to protect vulnerabilities on their network.
http://www.androidpolice.com/2011/1...-does-not-violate-fcc-block-c-spectrum-rules/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's saying it can't restrict (throttle) users who pay for the service. Tether wasn't included in Unlimited data plans (it was a separate plan on plans when Unlimited was around). Tethering is included in tiered data, therefore they cannot throttle users tethering on the tiered data plans.
carngeX said:
It's saying it can't restrict (throttle) users who pay for the service. Tether wasn't included in Unlimited data plans (it was a separate plan on plans when Unlimited was around). Tethering is included in tiered data, therefore they cannot throttle users tethering on the tiered data plans.
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Click to collapse
carngeX said:
It's saying it can't restrict (throttle) users who pay for the service. Tether wasn't included in Unlimited data plans (it was a separate plan on plans when Unlimited was around). Tethering is included in tiered data, therefore they cannot throttle users tethering on the tiered data plans.
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From my experience I have specifically found this to be untrue but I could certainly see how one would interpret it that way. There really is no one true answer to this question but I will say the higher tier tech confirmed on the phone with me that it was perfectly within my right to have 100 gb or more per month of unthrottled 4g lte use. They don't track whether you are tethering or not...can they? They certainly can especially if you use the my verizon app as they are able to see certain diagnostics and also they can see specifically which applications are running on your phone. The tech actually told me I was running an excessive amount of apps which was true at the time and she specifically told me which apps were running. This proves the point that they know I'm tethering without paying the $20 per month service charge, they are not charging me for it.
I think your misunderstanding is that you are incorrectly correlating tethering to throttling as these two things appear to be mutually exclusive. In other words verizon doesn't really treat you differently if you are on tiered vs non tiered as far as throttling goes.
Please read the following portion taken from the referenced article on android police, it's at the very bottom:
"Finally, we'll talk about tethering and Block C.
Much hoop-lah has been made of the following provision, as related to the legality of charging for wireless tethering on Verizon:
(c)(1)... The potential for excessive bandwidth demand alone shall not constitute grounds for denying, limiting or restricting access to the network. 47 CFR ยง27.16
The key issue is that this provision says nothing about limiting access on the basis of contractual obligations - it only applies when a carrier is limiting, restricting, or denying access to data services it has promised on the basis that a user is "congesting" the network. Verizon is still very much within its right to assert that it has the authority to prevent users from stealing access to a service it charges for, namely, tethering. Opponents say this is traffic discrimination and money-grabbing, Verizon says it's a perfectly legitimate usage-based access fee that it doesn't want users to circumvent.
There is absolutely nothing in the text of 27.16 suggesting carriers must provide unlimited data to users on networks operated on the 700MHz Block C frequencies. All (c)(1) is saying is that, once users have paid for a given service, carriers cannot discriminate against their traffic on the basis of bandwidth usage (eg, they can't throttle you) - but there's nothing to stop them from charging your more for using more. This is why Verizon's throttling only affects the top 5% of 3G, rather than 4G, users. I'm not sure if I explained that clearly, so I hope the distinction got across.
Of course, in matters involving regulatory authority, there's always going to be some wiggle room for discretion.
The FCC is unpredictable. There is no way to know if the agency will change its interpretation of its own rules, or if it will decide Verizon's particular actions aren't reasonable. This is all evaluated on a case by case basis. However, the agency's interpretation of reasonable network management in the past has tended to favor service providers in all but the most extreme cases (such as content-based throttling by Comcast), so it's hard for me to see them suddenly adopting a more demanding standard in regard to "reasonable network management.""
Can confirm this, grandfathered in unlimited. I use around 180gb a month. They hate me and any day that I am downloading continuously for more than 1 hour or sometimes less, I immediately start getting throttled. I know this because I have friends right beside me who have verizon and they will be pulling down 10-15mbps around 20ms and I will be getting .7-2 mbps. As soon as I take a small break from downloading (usually an hour) my speeds resume as normal. It is total BS that I pay for unlimited LTE and they claim they don't throttle. And anytime I call them to complain, magically my speeds go back after they tell me to try "rebooting my phone".
EDIT: I'm from the Canton, OH region and this happened frequently. I recently moved to the Tampa Bay area and have not had a problem. I suspect the network isn't as congested (although technically does LTE have bandwidth limitations? I read in an article that It should not). Also Florida happens to be flatter than Ohio, so they have less towers I'm assuming that cover a greater area with stronger coverage.
From the snippet you just posted:
There is absolutely nothing in the text of 27.16 suggesting carriers must provide unlimited data to users on networks operated on the 700MHz Block C frequencies. All (c)(1) is saying is that, once users have paid for a given service, carriers cannot discriminate against their traffic on the basis of bandwidth usage (eg, they can't throttle you) - but there's nothing to stop them from charging your more for using more. This is why Verizon's throttling only affects the top 5% of 3G, rather than 4G, users. I'm not sure if I explained that clearly, so I hope the distinction got across.
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Which backs up what I was saying. If you're on a grandfathered in unlimited plan... they have the legal right to throttle you because you're not paying for the tethering service, because it was not included in their non-tier plans. Will they? Most likely not unless you're using tons and tons of data - it's all up to VZW if they decide to start throttling or not. Although I've seen people in the Rezound forums post data usage screenshots, and some people have upwards around 1TB of data usage in a month, and nothing ever was done to them or their service.
carngeX said:
From the snippet you just posted:
Which backs up what I was saying. If you're on a grandfathered in unlimited plan... they have the legal right to throttle you because you're not paying for the tethering service, because it was not included in their non-tier plans. Will they? Most likely not unless you're using tons and tons of data - it's all up to VZW if they decide to start throttling or not. Although I've seen people in the Rezound forums post data usage screenshots, and some people have upwards around 1TB of data usage in a month, and nothing ever was done to them or their service.
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How do they know if you are tethering or not? Can they see that? Is high data usage synonymous with tethering in their minds?
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app
ErikFry said:
How do they know if you are tethering or not? Can they see that? Is high data usage synonymous with tethering in their minds?
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app
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Well ask yourself how do websites know you are on a mobile device. yes verizon knows you are tethering unless you use a tether app that hides it or if you use a vpn (highly recomended). I have used 300 gigabytes of data a few months ago without being throttled so it all depends on how well you cover your tracks.
---------- Post added at 04:53 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:50 PM ----------
I usually use between 2 - 5 so I am not a repeat offender. That might be why I have never been throttled.
ThePagel said:
Well ask yourself how do websites know you are on a mobile device. yes verizon knows you are tethering unless you use a tether app that hides it or if you use a vpn (highly recomended). I have used 300 gigabytes of data a few months ago without being throttled so it all depends on how well you cover your tracks.
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I see, I use the built in AOSP hotspot toggle. What could I use to hide the connection automagically every time I toggle it on? Thank you for your advice.
ErikFry said:
I see, I use the built in AOSP hotspot toggle. What could I use to hide the connection automagically every time I toggle it on? Thank you for your advice.
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I'm not sure if there is a solution for WiFi tether. I know USB tether apps can. Your best bet for WiFi tether is a cheap or free VPN.

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